Dental pick container and dispenser

ABSTRACT

A container for separating, storing, and dispensing dental picks includes a container to receive a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, a separating device to separate the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and a dispensing device to dispense the singular dental picks, one at a time. A method for separating and dispensing dental picks includes obtaining a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, loading the sheet of dental picks into a container, separating the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and dispensing the singular dental picks one at a time.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to dental picks, and in particular, to acontainer and dispenser for dental picks.

Dental picks are picks that can be used in a manner similar to atoothpick and in a manner similar to floss. Dental picks are capable ofbeing inserted between two teeth to remove stuck food, bacteria, orother debris. Dental picks are typically made out of molded plastic andinclude a cylindrical rod with a handle section at a first end of thecylindrical rod, and a second end of the cylindrical rod that graduallytapers to a point. Attached to the second end of the cylindrical rod aresoft, flexible bristles. These bristles are typically made out of nylonfilaments or a rubber-like elastomer material. The second end of thedental pick with the bristles can be used to clean spaces in the oralcavity in a variety of ways. First, dental picks can be inserted betweentwo teeth to remove stuck food, bacteria, plaque, and other debris.Second, dental picks can be used around implants, bridges, crowns, andother dental devices, to remove any stuck food, bacteria, and otherdebris. Third, dental picks can be used around orthodontic appliances,including braces, brackets, and permanent retainers, to remove any stuckfood, bacteria, or other debris.

Dental picks are typically manufactured and sold in sheets ofinterconnected dental picks. A sheet of dental picks typically includesseveral dental picks that are connected to one another at the handleportion. The dental picks can be separated by bending or twisting thesheet to break the dental picks apart from each other. There aredisadvantages to snapping and breaking the sheet of dental picks apartin this manner. First, breaking the dental picks apart can be cumbersomeand time consuming for the user. Second, after the dental picks havebeen separated, it can be cumbersome to contain, store, and dispense thedental picks individually. The storage containers that are availabletoday only accommodate bulk sheets of dental picks and therefore createa cumbersome experience for the user. Some storage containers requireboth hands of the user to open the container, remove a sheet from thecontainer, manually separate one pick from the sheet, and place theremaining sheet back into the container. Alternatively, if all of thedental picks are separated from the sheet at once, it can be cumbersomefor the user to carefully align and place the singular dental picks inthe container. The user also has to then be careful to retrieve onedental pick at a time without allowing any of the other dental picks tocome out of the container.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, a device for separating, storing anddispensing dental picks includes a container to receive a sheet ofmultiple interconnected dental picks, a separating device to separatethe sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and a dispensingdevice to dispense the singular dental picks, one at a time. A methodfor separating and dispensing dental picks includes obtaining a sheet ofmultiple interconnected dental picks, loading the sheet of dental picksinto a container, separating the sheet of dental picks into singulardental picks, and dispensing the singular dental picks one at a time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a sheet of dental picks.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container whentwo sheets of dental picks are being loaded.

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of thecontainer when no dental picks are loaded, taken along line 3-3 of FIG.2.

FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of thecontainer when the sheet of dental picks is being loaded, taken alongline 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a front cross-section view of the first embodiment of thecontainer when the sheet of dental picks is fully loaded, taken alongline 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the container.

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of thecontainer.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the container ina partially open position.

FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the second embodiment of thecontainer in an open position when no dental picks are loaded.

FIG. 7B is a front elevation view of the second embodiment of thecontainer in an open position when a sheet of dental picks is loaded.

FIG. 7C is a top cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of thecontainer in a closed position, taken along line 7C-7C of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of the second embodiment of thecontainer in a closed position.

FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of thecontainer in an open position, taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of thecontainer in an open position, taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the container ina closed position.

FIG. 11A is front elevation view of the third embodiment of thecontainer in an open position when no dental picks are loaded.

FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of the third embodiment of thecontainer in an open position when a sheet of dental picks is loaded.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the container ina closed position when a push bar is extended.

FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of thecontainer in a closed position when the push bar is extended, takenalong line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14A is a bottom cross sectional view of the fourth embodiment ofthe container in a closed position when the push bar is extended, takenalong line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14B is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment ofthe container in a closed position when the push bar is being closed,taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14C is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment ofthe container in a closed position when the push bar is closed, takenalong line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15A is a front cross-sectional break-away view of the fourthembodiment of the container after the dental picks have been separated,taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15B is a front cross-sectional break-away view of the fourthembodiment of the container as a dental pick is being dispensed, takenalong line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15C is a front cross-sectional break-away view of the fourthembodiment of the container as a dental pick is dispensed, taken alongline 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the container ina substantially closed position.

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the fifth embodiment of thecontainer in an open position when no dental picks are loaded.

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of a first body portion of thefifth embodiment of the container when a sheet of dental picks isloaded.

FIG. 18B is a back perspective view of a second body portion of thefifth embodiment of the container.

FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional end view of the fifthembodiment of the container showing a button mechanism.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the container ina closed position.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a first container portion of the sixthembodiment of the container when a sheet of dental picks is loaded.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the first container portion of thesixth embodiment of the container when an insert portion is removed fromthe container.

FIG. 22B is a perspective bottom view of the insert portion of the sixthembodiment of the container that can be placed in the first containerportion of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present invention relates to a device for breakingapart, storing, and dispensing dental picks. Different embodiments ofthe device separate a sheet of dental picks into singular dental picksby slicing them apart, using pressure to break them apart, or foldingthe dental picks against each other in an alternating pattern to snapthem apart. The dental picks are stored in a container and can bedispensed one-by-one as needed by the user.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of sheet 30. Sheet 30 includes aplurality of dental picks 32 (including dental pick 32A, dental pick32B, dental pick 32C, dental pick 32D, and dental pick 32E), connectingligaments 34 (including connecting ligament 34A, connecting ligament34B, connecting ligament 34C, and connecting ligament 34D), andconnecting ligaments 36 (including connecting ligament 36A, connectingligament 36B, connecting ligament 36C, and connecting ligament 36D).Each dental pick 32 includes handle 40, body 42, bristles 44, and tip46. Sheet 30 includes five dental picks 32 in the embodiment shown, butmay include any number of dental picks 32 in alternate embodiments.

In sheet 30, dental pick 32A is connected to dental pick 32B withconnecting ligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A; dental pick 32B isconnected to dental pick 32C with connecting ligament 34B and connectingligament 36B; dental pick 32C is connected to dental pick 32D withconnecting ligament 34C and connecting ligament 36C; and dental pick 32Dis connected to dental pick 32E with connecting ligament 34D andconnecting ligament 36D. Connecting ligaments 34 connect handles 40 ofdental picks 32 near a top end of handles 40. Connecting ligaments 36connects handles 40 of dental picks 32 near a bottom end of handles 40.Connecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 can be broken whendental picks 32 are separated. In alternate embodiments, connectingligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 can alternate in number andconfiguration, including using only one connecting ligament or usingmore than two connecting ligaments. Connecting ligaments 34 andconnecting ligaments 36 can also vary in size and shape, for example onelong connecting ligament that runs the length of handle 40 could be usedbetween dental picks 32.

Each dental pick 32 includes handle 40 that is attached to body 42.Handle 40 is a flattened piece with a substantially rectangular shape inthe embodiment shown. Handle 40 can be grasped by a user when usingdental pick 32. In alternate embodiments, handle 40 can be any shapethat can be grasped by the user. A bottom end of handle 40 tapers downto body 42. Body 42 has a thin cylindrical shape in the embodimentshown. A bottom end of body 42 tapers down to tip 46. Bristles 44 areattached to the bottom end of body 42 and extend down to tip 46.Bristles 44 can be made out of a soft rubber material, a plasticmaterial, or a nylon type filament material. Tips 46 and bristles 44 canbe used to pick between and around teeth or dental appliances whendental picks 32 are being used.

Dental picks 32 can be separated by breaking connecting ligaments 34 andconnecting ligaments 36. Connecting ligaments 34 and connectingligaments 36 can be broken by slicing them apart, putting pressure ondental picks 32 to break them apart, or folding sheet 30 of dental picks32 against each other in an alternating pattern to snap them apart. Ifdone manually, dental picks 32 are typically broken apart by folding onedental pick 32 towards sheet 30 to snap connecting ligament 34 andconnecting ligament 36. This can be cumbersome to users, as they have tohold sheet 30 of dental picks 32 and manually snap apart one dental pick32 every time they want to use a dental pick. It can also be cumbersometo store dental picks 32, especially after sheet 30 of dental picks 32has been separated into individual dental picks 32. Once dental picks 32are separated, they can be used in a manner similar to a toothpick orinterdental brush to clean between and around teeth and dentalappliances. Dental picks 32 can also be used as a substitute for stringfloss to remove food, bacteria, and other debris from between teeth.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 2-5B illustrate a first embodiment, container 50. FIG. 2 is aperspective view of a first embodiment of container 50 when two sheets30 (sheet 30A and sheet 30B) of dental picks 32 are being loaded.Container 50 includes first container portion 52, second containerportion 54, and window 56. First container portion 52 includes opening60, door 62, knob 64, and path 66. Second container portion 54 includesopening 70, door 72, knob 74, and path 76.

First container portion 52 and second container portion 54 are connectedto one another with fasteners. This can include screws, snap grommets,adhesives, or any other fastener that is capable of holding the twoportions together. In the embodiment shown, opening 60 of firstcontainer portion 52 is facing upwards, and opening 70 of secondcontainer portion 54 is facing downwards. In alternate embodiments,opening 60 of first container portion 52 and opening 70 of secondcontainer portion 54 can both face the same direction, or they can facedifferent directions in any arrangement. In alternate embodiments,container 50 may only include first container portion 52. Further,container 50 can be constructed to accommodate sheets 30 of dental picks32 that include any number of dental picks 32.

First container portion 52 and second container portion 54 each includethe same components. Window 56 is located on first container portion 52to show sheet 30A of dental picks 32 when sheet 30A is loaded intocontainer 50. A similar window can also be located on an outward facingsurface of second container portion 54. In the embodiment shown, window56 has a substantially rectangular shape, but window 56 can havedifferent constructions in alternate embodiments. This can include anoval shaped window, or multiple windows of any shape in front of eachstored pick 32 that enable the user to see how many dental picks 32 arein container 50 at any given time.

First container portion 52 includes opening 60 at a top end of container50. Sheet 30A can be placed in opening 60 and pressed into container 50.Once sheet 30A is loaded, door 62 can be slid into a closed positionwith knob 64 and path 66. Knob 64 is located in path 66 and slidesthrough path 66 to adjust the position of door 62. Door 62 is in an openposition in FIG. 2, allowing sheet 30A to be loaded into container 50.As sheet 30A is loaded into container 50, dental picks 32 will be slicedapart by recessed blades that are held in container 50. The separateddental picks 32 can then be dispensed one at a time, by moving door 62and providing access to opening 60.

Second container portion 54 includes opening 70 at a bottom end ofcontainer 50. Sheet 30B can be placed in opening 70 and pressed intocontainer 50. Once sheet 30B is loaded, door 72 can be slid into aclosed position with knob 74 and path 76. Knob 74 is located in path 76and slides through path 76 to adjust the position of door 72. Door 72 isin an open position in FIG. 2, allowing sheet 30B to be loaded intocontainer 50. As sheet 30B is loaded into container 50, dental picks 32will be sliced apart by recessed blades that are held in container 50.The separated dental picks 32 can then be dispensed one at a time, bymoving door 72 and providing access to opening 70.

Container 50 allows a user to load and separate sheets 30 of dentalpicks 32. Dental picks 32 can be separated with minimal effort from theuser, as all dental picks 32 are separated at the same time when sheet30 is loaded into container 50. Container 50 will also store dentalpicks 32 until the user wants to use one. Door 62 and door 72 allow auser to open container 50 to insert sheets 30 and to dispense dentalpicks 32 one by one, as needed by the user.

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the first embodiment ofcontainer 50 when no dental picks 32 are loaded, taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2. Container 50 includes first container portion 52 and secondcontainer portion 54. First container portion 52 includes cavities 80(including cavity 80A, cavity 80B, cavity 80C, cavity 80D, and cavity80E) and blades 82 (including blade 82A, blade 82B, blade 82C, and blade82D).

In the embodiment shown, first container portion 52 includes fivecavities 80 to receive sheet 30 of dental picks 32. Each cavity 80 has awidth at the top that is slightly greater than the width of handle 40 ofone dental pick 32 and can receive one dental pick 32 when sheet 30 isloaded. Blades 82 are located between cavities 80 to slice sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 when it is loaded. Blade 82A is located between cavity80A and cavity 80B; blade 82B is located between cavity 80B and cavity80C; blade 82C is located between cavity 80C and cavity 80D; and blade82D is located between cavity 80D and cavity 80E. Blades 82 are made outof a thin and rigid material, such as steel or ceramic, and have a sharpedge to slice apart connecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36when sheet 30 of dental picks 32 is loaded in container 50.

FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the first embodiment ofcontainer 50 when sheet 30 of dental picks 32 is being loaded, takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4B is a front cross-section view of thefirst embodiment of container 50 when sheet 30 of dental picks 32 isfully loaded, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. Sheet 30 includes dentalpicks 32 (including dental pick 32A, dental pick 32B, dental pick 32C,dental pick 32D, and dental pick 32E), connecting ligaments 34(including connecting ligament 34A, connecting ligament 34B, connectingligament 34C, and connecting ligament 34D), and connecting ligaments 36(including connecting ligament 36A, connecting ligament 36B, connectingligament 36C, and connecting ligament 36D). Container 50 includes firstcontainer portion 52 with cavities 80 (including cavity 80A, cavity 80B,cavity 80C, cavity 80D, and cavity 80E), blades 82 (including blade 82A,blade 82B, blade 82C, and blade 82D), and fasteners 84.

First container portion 52 holds cavities 80 and blades 82. Firstcontainer portion 52 also includes fasteners 84 at each corner ofcontainer 50 to connect first container portion 52 to second containerportion 54. In the embodiment shown, fasteners 84 are snap grommets, butin alternate embodiments fasteners 84 can be any fastener that iscapable of holding first container portion 52 to second containerportion 54. Cavities 80 of first container portion 52 are shaped similarto the shape of dental picks 32 and can receive dental picks 32 whensheet 30 is loaded in container 50. In alternate embodiments, the shape,size, and configuration of dental picks 32 can change, and cavities 80can be shaped accordingly. Blades 82 are located between cavities 80 toslice connecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 when sheet 30is loaded into container 50. Blade 82A is located between cavity 80A andcavity 80B; blade 82B is located between cavity 80B and cavity 80C;blade 82C is located between cavity 80C and cavity 80D; and blade 82D islocated between cavity 80D and cavity 80E.

As seen in FIG. 4A, as sheet 30 is being loaded into first containerportion 52 of container 50, dental picks 32 are simultaneously beinginserted into cavities 80. Dental pick 32A is loaded into cavity 80A;dental pick 32B is loaded into cavity 80B; dental pick 32C is loadedinto cavity 80C; dental pick 32D is loaded into cavity 80D; and dentalpick 32E is loaded into cavity 80E. As sheet 30 is pressed intocontainer 50, blades 82 will slice connecting ligaments 34 andconnecting ligaments 36. Blade 82A will slice connecting ligament 34Aand connecting ligament 36A to separate dental pick 32A from dental pick32B; blade 82B will slice connecting ligament 34B and connectingligament 36B to separate dental pick 32B from dental pick 32C; blade 82Cwill slice connecting ligament 34C and connecting ligament 36C toseparate dental pick 32C from dental pick 32D; and blade 82D will sliceconnecting ligament 34D and connecting ligament 36D to separate dentalpick 32D from dental pick 32E.

As seen in FIG. 4B, when sheet 30 is fully loaded into first containerportion 52, blades 82 will have separated dental picks 32 intoindividual pieces. Dental picks 32 are held in cavities 80 after theyare separated. Dental pick 32A is held in cavity 80A, dental pick 32B isheld in cavity 80B, dental pick 32C is held in cavity 80C, dental pick32D is held in cavity 80D, and dental pick 32E is held in cavity 80E.

Container 50 allows sheet 30 of dental picks 32 to be separated from oneanother all at the same time, when sheet 30 is loaded into firstcontainer portion 52. As sheet 30 is loaded, blades 82 will sliceconnecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 that hold dentalpicks 32 together. This decreases the amount of time and effort it takesfor a user to separate dental picks 32 for use. Container 50 alsoprovides a way to store dental picks 32 after they have been separatedfor use at a later time.

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the first embodiment of container 50. FIG.5B is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of container 50.Container 50 includes first container portion 52 and second containerportion 54. First container portion 52 includes opening 60, door 62,knob 64, path 66, cavity 80A, blade 82A, and cavity 80B. Secondcontainer portion 54 includes knob 74.

First container portion 52 is connected to second container portion 54with a plurality of fasteners. Opening 60 of first container portion 52is used to load dental picks 32 into first container portion 52.Cavities 80A and 80B are held in first container portion 52 and canreceive dental picks 32 when they are loaded. Blade 82A is locatedbetween cavity 80A and cavity 80B and can slice apart connectingligaments 34A and connecting ligaments 36A when sheet 30 of dental picks32 is loaded into container 50. Door 62 is slidable between a fully openand a fully closed position over cavities 80. Knob 64 and path 66 can beused to slide door 62 between the open and closed positions and can openany number of cavities 80 at a time.

In the embodiment shown, door 62 is a Teflon (polytetrafluorethylene)ribbon. In alternate embodiments, door 62 can be made out of anydurable, flexible, and nonporous material that is capable of beingpositioned in container 50 and that can be slid back and forth betweenan open and closed position. Door 62 runs along the same side of firstcontainer portion 52 that path 66 is located on. As door 62 is opened,it will move down the side of first container portion 52 along path 66.In an alternate embodiment, door 62 may be a rigid plate that slideslaterally across the opening, out and away from container 50 to exposecavities 80. Such an embodiment requires that knob 64 be relocated overcavity 80A (when door 62 is in the closed position) to operate door 62,and that path 66 run along opening 60 of first container portion 52,enabling door 62 to protrude beyond container 50.

In a fully open position, sliding door 62 will expose opening 60 and allcavities 80 so that sheet 30 can be loaded into first container portion52. Once sheet 30 is fully loaded, door 62 can be closed to store dentalpicks 32 in cavities 80. When a user wants access to a dental pick, theycan open door 62 using knob 64 to expose cavity 80A. Knob 64 can slidein path 66 and path 66 has notches designed to catch knob 64. Thenotches are spaced apart the same width as cavities 80 of container 50.Thus, when knob 64 is moved down one notch, it will only pull door 62down far enough down to expose cavity 80A.

Once cavity 80A is exposed, container 50 can be tilted downward so thatgravity can pull a dental pick towards opening 60. Dental pick 32A incavity 80A can then be pulled out of container 50 by the user. Door 62will block the remaining dental picks 32 in the other cavities 80 sothat they do not fall out when container 50 is tilted towards theground. When a user wants access to a second dental pick, they can opensliding door 62 using knob 64 to expose cavity 80A and cavity 80B, asseen in FIG. 5A. Cavity 80A will be empty, but dental pick 32B in cavity80B can then be dispensed using the same method discussed above. Thiscan continue until all dental picks 32 are dispensed from container 50.This dispensing system allows a user to dispense dental picks 32 one ata time. Door 62 also covers cavities 80 so that dental picks 32 can bestored in a clean environment once they are loaded into container 50.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate three different versions of a second embodiment,container 100. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first version ofcontainer 100 in a partially open position. Container 100 includes firstcontainer portion 102, second container portion 104, rack 106, and hinge108. Rack 106 includes cavities 110 (including cavity 110A, cavity 110B,cavity 110C, cavity 110D, and cavity 110E), walls 112 (includes wall112A, wall 112B, wall 112C, wall 112D, wall 112E, and wall 112F), andcover plate 120. Second container portion 104 includes raised surfaces114 (including raised surface 114A, raised surface 114B, raised surface114C, raised surface 114D, and raised surface 114E).

First container portion 102 is connected to second container portion 104along hinge 108. In the embodiment shown, first container portion 102and second container portion 104 each form half of container 100. Inalternate embodiments, first container portion 102 could form a moresubstantial portion of container 100 and second container portion 104could be a lid or a door. Rack 106 is also connected to hinge 108 and islocated between first container portion 102 and second container portion104. Rack 106 has a plurality of cavities 110 and a plurality of walls112 on it to hold and separate dental picks 32. In alternateembodiments, the dimensions and capacity of container 100 and rack 106may vary to accommodate different size sheets 30 of varying numbers ofdental picks 32. Cavities 110 are shaped similar to the shape of dentalpicks 32 to hold one dental pick 32 when sheet 30 is loaded intocontainer 100. Cover plate 120 is attached to rack 106 and runs acrossthe front of cavities 110. Cover plate 120 is a rectangular shaped platethat is fastened to rack 106 using any suitable fastener. Cover plate120 holds dental picks 32 in container 100 in their respective cavities110 when container 100 is opened and closed along hinge 108. Inalternative embodiments, cover plate 120 may be integrated into rack 106as a single part through various manufacturing applications, such asinjection molding. Additionally, cover plate 120 can have varyingdimensions as long as its coverage area over cavities 110 is sufficientto secure dental picks 32 in cavities 110. Walls 112 are located abovecover plate 120 and between cavities 110 to break sheet 30 of dentalpicks 32 when it is loaded into container 100. Walls 112 are bluntprojections in the embodiment shown, but can be constructed of blades inalternate embodiments. Rack 106 also has a scalloped top edge. Thescalloped top edge allows handles 40 of dental picks 32 to protrude outfrom the top of rack 106 so that a user can easily grasp the handle andpull dental pick 32 out of container 100.

Second container portion 104 includes raised surfaces 114. Raisedsurfaces 114 are solid square shaped projections in the embodimentshown. In alternate embodiments, raised surfaces 114 can be constructedin any shape that has a sufficient area and protrusion to allow them tobe used to place pressure on the handles 40 of dental picks 32. Raisedsurfaces 114 are sized to fit between walls 112 in cavities 110. Whencontainer 100 is closed, raised surfaces 114 put pressure on sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 to separate connecting ligaments 34 and connectingligaments 36 between dental picks 32. This pressure will separate dentalpicks 32 and each separated pick 32 will be contained in its respectivecavity 110.

Container 100 provides a way to separate sheet 30 of dental picks 32 allat one time. This is advantageous, as it prevents the user from havingto manually separate one dental pick 32 from sheet 30 each time theusers wants to use one dental pick 32. Container 100 can also store theseparated dental picks 32 and can be easily opened and closed alonghinge 108 to allow a user to remove one dental pick 32 when needed.

FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the second embodiment of container100 in an open position. FIG. 7B is a front elevation view of the secondembodiment of container 100 in an open position when sheet 30 of dentalpicks 32 is loaded. FIG. 7C is a top cross-sectional view of the secondembodiment of container 100 in a closed position, taken along line 7C-7Cof FIG. 6. Sheet 30 includes dental picks 32 (including dental pick 32A,dental pick 32B, dental pick 32C, dental pick 32D, and dental pick 32E),connecting ligaments 34 (including connecting ligament 34A, connectingligament 34B, connecting ligament 34C, and connecting ligament 34D), andconnecting ligaments 36 (including connecting ligament 36A, connectingligament 36B, connecting ligament 36C, and connecting ligament 36D).Container 100 includes first container portion 102, second containerportion 104, rack 106, and hinge 108. Rack 106 includes cavities 110(including cavity 110A, cavity 110B, cavity 110C, cavity 110D, andcavity 110E), walls 112 (includes wall 112A, wall 112B, wall 112C, wall112D, wall 112E, and wall 112F), and cover plate 120. Second containerportion 104 includes raised surfaces 114 (including raised surface 114A,raised surface 114B, raised surface 114C, raised surface 114D, andraised surface 114E).

First container portion 102 is connected to second container portion 104along hinge 108. Rack 106 is also connected to hinge 108 and is locatedbetween first container portion 102 and second container portion 104.Rack 106 has a plurality of cavities 110 and a plurality of walls 112 onit to hold and separate dental picks 32. Wall 112A is located on a firstside of cavity 110A; wall 112B is located between cavity 110A and cavity110B; wall 112C is located between cavity 110B and cavity 110C; wall112D is located between cavity 110C and cavity 110D; wall 112E islocated between cavity 110D and 110E; and wall 112F is located on asecond side of cavity 110E. Rack 106 also includes cover plate 120 thatis placed on top of cavities 110 and is fastened to rack 106. Coverplate 120 holds dental picks 32 in cavities 110.

Second container portion 104 includes a plurality of raised surfaces114. Raised surfaces 114 are shaped and sized so that they can be placedbetween walls 112 and over the pick handles 40 when container 100 isclosed. Raised surface 114A can be placed between wall 112A and wall112B; raised surface 114B can be placed between wall 112B and wall 112C;raised surface 114C can be placed between wall 112C and wall 112D;raised surface 114D can be placed between wall 112D and wall 112E; andraised surface 114E can be placed between wall 112E and wall 112F.

Sheet 30 of dental picks 32 can be placed in container 100 by sliding itdownward into cavities 110 between rack 106 and cover plate 120. As seenin FIG. 7B, when sheet 30 is placed in container 100, connectingligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 rest on top of walls 112.Connecting ligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A rest on wall 112B;connecting ligament 34B and connecting ligament 36B rest on wall 112C;connecting ligament 34C and connecting ligament 36C rest on wall 112D;and connecting ligament 34D and connecting ligament 36D rest on wall112E. Wall 112A and wall 112F are used to align dental picks 32 incontainer 100. When container 100 is closed, raised surfaces 114 putpressure on handles 40 of dental picks 32. Raised surface 114A comesinto contact and puts pressure on dental pick 32A; raised surface 114Bcomes into contact and puts pressure on dental pick 32B; raised surface114C comes into contact and puts pressure on dental pick 32C; raisedsurface 114D comes into contact and puts pressure on dental pick 32D;and raised surface 114E comes into contact and puts pressure on dentalpick 32E. Pressing dental picks 32 with raised surfaces 114 will putpressure on connecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 thatrest on walls 112. This pressure against walls 112 will break connectingligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 to separate dental picks 32.Dental picks 32 will then be pushed into cavities 110. Dental pick 32Awill be pushed into cavity 110A; dental pick 32B will be pushed intocavity 110B; dental pick 32C will be pushed into cavity 110C; dentalpick 32D will be pushed into cavity 110D; and dental pick 32E will bepushed into cavity 100E.

Using container 100 to break sheet 30 of dental picks 32 isadvantageous, as the user no longer needs to manually separate dentalpicks 32 when the user wants to use one. The user need only place dentalpicks 32 in rack 106 in container 100 and then close container 100. Whencontainer 100 closes, connecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments36 will break apart and dental picks 32 will separate from one another.Dental picks 32 will also be pushed into cavities 110, which will storedental picks 32. When a user wants to use one dental pick 32, the usercan open container 100 and pick one dental pick 32 from container 100.Picking one dental pick 32 from container 100 is facilitated with thescalloped upper edge of rack 106, which creates a gap where the user cangrasp handle 40 of one dental pick 32. Container 100 makes it easy toseparate sheet 30, to store dental picks 32, to dispense dental picks32.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a second version of the second embodiment in whichcontainer 100 includes multiple racks 106. FIG. 8A is a front elevationview of container 100 with a plurality of racks 106 in a closedposition. FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the secondembodiment of container 100 in an open position, taken along line 8B-8Bof FIG. 8A. Container 100 includes first container portion 102, secondcontainer portion 104, racks 106 (including rack 106A, rack 106B, andrack 106C), raised surfaces 116 (including raised surface 116A, raisedsurface 116B, and raised surface 116C), hinge 108, and hinge 118.

First container portion 102 and second container portion 104 areconnected to one another along hinge 108. In the embodiment seen inFIGS. 8A-8B, first container portion 102 forms the body of container 100and second container portion 104 is a cover that can be opened andclosed by rotating it around hinge 108. Rack 106A, rack 106B, and rack106C are located in container 100 between first container portion 102and second container portion 104. Rack 106A is located on a first sideof rack 106B; rack 106B is located between rack 106A and rack 106C; andrack 106C is located on a second side of rack 106B. As discussed abovein reference to FIGS. 6-7C, each rack will have a plurality of cavitiesto hold separated dental picks 32 and a plurality of walls to separatedental picks 32 when pressure is applied. Racks 106 are attached athinge 118. Hinge 118 is held inside container 100 and is attached atopposite ends to first container portion 102 to hold it in place. Secondbody portion 104 includes raised surfaced 116 that can be used to breaksheets 30 of dental picks 32. Raised surfaces 116A can be used toseparate dental picks 32 that are carried on rack 106A; raised surfaces116B can be used to separate dental picks 32 that are carried on rack106B; and raised surfaces 116C can be used to separate dental picks 32that are carried on rack 106C. Multiple sheets 30 of dental picks 32 caneach be separated apart when container 100 is closed due to the terracedarrangement of raised surfaces 116 and racks 106.

Having a plurality of racks 106 allows container 100 to hold multiplesheets 30 of dental picks 32 at the same time. This increased capacityof dental picks 32 reduces the reloading frequency of container 100 withdental picks 32 by the user. One sheet 30 of dental picks 32 can beloaded onto each rack 106, and when container 100 is closed, all sheets30 of dental picks 32 that are held in container 100 will break apart.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a third version, with container100 in an open position. Container 100 includes first container portion102, second container portion 104, rack 106, and hinge 108. Firstcontainer portion 102 includes raised surfaces 122A and second containerportion 104 includes raised surfaces 122B.

First container portion 102 and second container portion 104 areconnected to one another along hinge 108. First container portion 102and second container portion 104 each form half of container 100. Rack106 is also connected to hinge 108. Rack 106 includes a first set ofwalls and cavities on a first side, and a second set of walls andcavities on a second side. This allows rack 106 to hold two sheets 30 ofdental picks 32, one sheet 30 on either side. First container portion102 includes raised surfaces 122A that can be used to separate dentalpicks 32 that are held on the first side of rack 106. Second containerportion 104 includes raised surfaces 122B that can be used to separatedental picks 32 that are held on the second side of rack 106.

The configuration of rack 106 with cavities and walls on two sidesallows multiple sheets 30 of dental picks 32 to be loaded and separatedin container 100 at one time. This increases the efficiency andconvenience of separating dental picks 32 in container 100. The secondand third versions of this embodiment also reduce the reloadingfrequency required by the user due to the increased number of dentalpicks 32 that can be separated and carried in container 100 at one time.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 10, 11A and 11B illustrate a third embodiment, container 130. FIG.10 is a perspective view of container 130 in a closed position.Container 130 includes first container portion 132, second containerportion 134, hinge 136, lever 138, sliding fence 140, and path 142.

First container portion 132 and second container portion 134 areconnected to one another along hinge 136. Hinge 136 can be placed on anyside of container 130 in alternate embodiments. In a closed position,first container portion 132 and second container portion 134 form arectangular shaped container 130. On the face of second containerportion 134 there is lever 138, sliding fence 140, and path 142. Lever138 includes a button at a bottom end that is attached to a body piece.The body piece of lever 138 is attached to second container portion 134at a top end. The button end of lever 138 can be pressed inwards intocontainer 130 to break one dental pick 32 from sheet 30 at a time. Inalternate embodiments, lever 138 can be replaced with a spring-loadedbutton that can be pressed inwards into container 130. Sliding fence 140is used to slide sheet 30 of dental picks 32 into position insidecontainer 130 so that each dental pick 32 can be separated by lever 138.Path 142 provides a pathway that sliding fence 140 can slide upon. Thepositioning of path 142 across second container portion 134 can vary inorder to provide the most effective contact point for sliding fence 140to slide sheet 30. Sliding fence 140 can either be moved manually orautomatically advanced with a spring-loaded mechanism.

Container 130 is capable of being sized to fit varying sizes of sheets30 of dental picks 32. Container 130 allows a user to break one dentalpick 32 apart as needed, and the separated dental pick 32 can then bedispensed. This allows container 130 to dispense one dental pick 32 at atime. Container 130 also allows a user to store sheets 30 of dentalpicks 32.

FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of the third embodiment of container130 in an open position when no dental picks 32 are loaded. FIG. 11B isa front elevation view of the third embodiment of container 130 in anopen position when sheet 30 of dental picks 32 is loaded. Sheet 30includes dental picks 32 (including dental pick 32A, dental pick 32B,dental pick 32C, dental pick 32D, and dental pick 32E), connectingligaments 34 (including connecting ligament 34A, connecting ligament34B, connecting ligament 34C, and connecting ligament 34D), andconnecting ligaments 36 (including connecting ligament 36A, connectingligament 36B, connecting ligament 36C, and connecting ligament 36D).Container 130 includes first container portion 132, second containerportion 134, hinge 136, lever 138, sliding fence 140, path 142, exitchute 144, opening 146, raised back 148, and ledge 150.

First container portion 132 and second container portion 134 areconnected to one another along hinge 136. First container portion 132includes raised back 148. Raised back 148 will support and elevate sheet30 of dental picks 32 when they are loaded in container 130 so bristles44 do not contact any inside surface of container 130. This will preventfriction and resistance between bristles 44 and container 130 whensheets 30 are slid across raised back 148. First container portion 132also includes exit chute 144, opening 146, and ledge 150 at a first sideof container 130. Exit chute 144 has a width that is slightly largerthan the width of handle 40 of one dental pick 32. Exit chute 144creates an area where one dental pick 32 can be separated from sheet 30and dispensed from container 130. At one end of exit chute 144 isopening 146. Opening 146 is slightly wider than the width of handle 40of one dental pick 32. Opening 146 allows one dental pick 32 to bedispensed from container 130, by tilting container 130 with opening 146facing downward so that gravity can pull dental pick 32 in exit chute144 out of container 130. Ledge 150 is located at a second side of exitchute 144 and provides a wall upon which one dental pick 32 can bebroken off of sheet 30.

Second container portion 134 includes lever 138 that can be pressedinwards into container 130 to break dental picks 32. Second containerportion 134 also includes sliding fence 140 and path 142. Sliding fence140 can move along path 142 to slide sheet 30 of dental picks 32 to thefirst side of container 130. One dental pick 32 can then be separated incontainer 130 by positioning sheet 30 of dental picks 32 so that onedental pick 32 is located in exit chute 144. One dental pick 32 can bepositioned in exit chute 144 using sliding fence 140. Sliding fence 140can catch a side edge of sheet 30 and put lateral force against sheet 30to slide sheet 30 through container 130 until one dental pick 32 islocated in exit chute 144. Sliding fence 140 moves along path 142 andcan either be moved manually or be spring loaded.

As seen in FIG. 11B, when dental pick 32A is positioned in exit chute144, the remainder of sheet 30 (including dental pick 32B, dental pick32C, dental pick 32D, and dental pick 32E) will be positioned on raisedback 148. After container 130 is loaded with sheet 30 and closed, lever138 can be used to break dental pick 32A apart from sheet 30. Thishappens because lever 138 will put pressure on handle 40 of dental pick32A. Dental pick 32A is positioned in exit chute 144 so that connectingligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A are resting on ledge 150. Whenlever 138 is pressed, dental pick 32A will be forced inwards at handle40, which will put pressure on connecting ligament 34A and connectingligament 36A. Connecting ligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A willbe broken along ledge 150 due to the pressure from lever 138 that pushesdental pick 32A into exit chute 144, which is at a lower elevation thansheet 30. Once dental pick 32A is separated from sheet 30, container 130can be tilted with opening 146 facing downwards so that dental pick 32Acan fall out of exit chute 144 through opening 146. Once dental pick 32Ahas been dispensed from container 130, sliding fence 140 will putlateral force on sheet 30 of dental picks 32 and move sheet 30 so thatdental pick 32B is positioned in exit chute 144. Dental pick 32B maythen be separated from sheet 30, and this process will continue untilall dental picks 32 have been dispensed.

Container 130 allows dental picks 32 to be separated from sheet 30 oneat a time. Dental picks 32 can also be dispensed one at a time throughopening 146. Container 130 is easy to load, by opening container 130 andplacing a sheet 30 of dental picks 32 on raised back 148 and to the sideof sliding fence 140. Once closed, container 130 is capable of movingone dental pick 32 into exit chute 144 to be separated from sheet 30.Container 130 also stores sheet 30 of dental picks 32, making dentalpicks 32 easy to access when a user wants to use one.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 12-15C illustrate a fourth embodiment, container 170. FIG. 12 is aperspective view of a fourth embodiment of container 170 in a closedposition when push bar 176 is extended. Container 170 includes firstcontainer portion 172, second container portion 174, push bar 176, hinge184, and dispenser 178.

First container portion 172 and second container portion 174 areconnected to one another along hinge 184. In the embodiment shown, firstcontainer portion 172 and second container portion 174 both form half ofcontainer 170. In alternate versions, first container portion 172 canform the body of container 170 and second container portion 174 can be alid that is opened to load sheet 30 of dental picks 32, or any otherarrangement that allows a user access to the inside of container 170 sothat sheet 30 can be loaded. Container 170 has an inner thickness thatis slightly larger than the width of handle 40 of dental picks 32. Thisallows dental picks 32 to be folded inside container 170 and allowsdental picks 32 to rest on one edge of their handles after beingseparated in container 170. In the embodiment shown, container 170 iscapable of receiving multiple sheets 30 of dental picks 32. In alternateversions, container 170 can be constructed to hold one sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 and container 170 can be adapted to hold sheets 30 thathave varying size and numbers of dental picks 32.

Push bar 176 runs along the bottom end of container 170 and is alignedto make contact with handles 40 of dental picks 32. In an extendedposition, push bar 176 extends outside of container 170, as seen in FIG.12. When push bar 176 is extended, sheet 30 of dental picks 32 can beloaded into container 170. After sheet 30 has been loaded, push bar 176can be pressed inwards to fold sheet 30 in an alternating pattern tosnap apart dental picks 32. Push bar 176 can either be manually operatedor spring loaded. Container 170 is capable of holding one sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 or multiple sheets 30 of dental picks 32, with eachsheet 30 being loaded after each previously loaded sheet 30 iscompressed and dental picks 32 are snapped apart. Once dental picks 32have been separated, dispenser 178 can be used to dispense dental picks32 from the container, one dental pick 32 at a time.

Container 170 allows a user to load, store, and dispense dental picks32. Sheet 30 can be loaded by placing it in container 170. Dental picks32 on sheet 30 can then be separated by pushing push bar 176 inwardsinto container 170. This will cause dental picks 32 to snap apart withminimal effort put forth by the user. Dental picks 32 can then bedispensed by sliding dispenser 178 to provide access to one dental pick32 at a time.

FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment ofcontainer 170 in a closed position when push bar 176 is extended andsheet 30 is loaded, taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. Sheet 30 includesdental picks 32 (including dental pick 32A, dental pick 32B, dental pick32C, dental pick 32D, dental pick 32E, dental pick 32F, dental pick 32G,dental pick 32H, dental pick 32I, and dental pick 32J) (sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 includes ten dental picks 32 in this embodiment toillustrate the folding action more clearly). Container 170 includesfirst container portion 172, push bar 176, dispenser 178, opening 180,and joint clips 182 (including joint clip 182A, joint clip 182B, jointclip 182C, joint clip 182D, joint clip 182E, and joint clip 182F).

Push bar 176 runs along the bottom end of container 170 and extendsoutside of container 170 when it is in an extended position. Dispenser178 is located at an opposite end of push bar 176 and is used todispense dental picks 32 through opening 180. Opening 180 is located ata bottom end of container 170 and is sized so that only one dental pick32 can be dispensed at a time.

First container portion 172 is capable of receiving sheet 30 of dentalpicks 32. Sheet 30 of dental picks 32 can be loaded either by openingcontainer 170 and placing sheet 30 in first container portion 172, or byopening a lid to container 170 and sliding sheet 30 into container 170.When sheet 30 is loaded into container 170, handles 40 of dental picks32 should be placed underneath joint clips 182. Joint clip 182A will beplaced over an outer edge of handle 40 of dental pick 32A; joint clip182B will be placed over handle 40 of dental pick 32B and handle 40 ofdental pick 32C; joint clip 182C will be placed over handle 40 of dentalpick 32D and handle 40 of dental pick 32E; joint clip 182D will beplaced over handle 40 of dental pick 32F and handle 40 of dental pick32G; joint clip 182E will be placed over handle 40 of dental pick 32Hand handle 40 of dental pick 32I; and joint clip 182F will be placedover an outer edge of handle 40 of dental pick 32J.

Joint clips 182 are mounted on the inside surface of second containerportion 174 so that when container 170 is closed, joint clips 182 willrest on top of sheet 30. In alternate embodiments, joint clips 182 canbe mounted on a lid portion of container 170. Joint clips 182 will holddental picks 32 against an interior surface of first container portion172 until they are folded by push bar 176. Joint clips 182 can beconstructed out a flexible and spring-like material with a highretention memory, as joint clips 182 will be subjected to bendingstresses. As dental picks 32 are being folded by push bar 176, jointclips 182 will be pushed out of their normal position by the movement ofhandles 40 of dental picks 32. Once dental picks 32 are completelyfolded and separated, joint clips 182 will go back to their originalpositions due to the high memory nature of the materials used toconstruct joint clips 182.

Loading container 170 is an easy task for the user. The user need onlyplace sheet 30 of dental picks 32 in container 170 by dropping it intofirst container portion 172 when second container portion 174 is opened.In an alternate embodiment, sheet 30 can be inserted into container 170by sliding it in when a lid of container 170 is opened, such as alongthe bottom edge of container 170. When container 170 is closed, jointclips 182 will be positioned to hold handles 40 of dental picks 32against the back of first container portion 172. This will facilitatecontrolled folding of dental picks 32 in an alternating pattern (similarto a paper fan or an accordion) when sheet 30 is compressed by push bar176.

FIG. 14A is a bottom cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment ofcontainer 170 in a closed position when push bar 176 is extended, takenalong line 14-14 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14B is a bottom cross-sectional viewof the fourth embodiment of container 170 in a closed position when pushbar 176 is being closed, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14C isa bottom cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of container 170in a closed position when push bar 176 is closed, taken along line 14-14of FIG. 12. Sheet 30 includes dental picks 32 (including dental pick32A, dental pick 32B, dental pick 32C, dental pick 32D, dental pick 32E,dental pick 32F, dental pick 32G, dental pick 32H, dental pick 32I, anddental pick 32J). Container 170 includes first container portion 172,second container portion 174, push bar 176, and joint clips 182(including joint clip 182A, joint clip 182B, joint clip 182C, joint clip182D, joint clip 182E, and joint clip 182F).

First container portion 172 and second container portion 174 areconnected to one another with a hinge. First container portion 172 hasjoint clips 182 located along a bottom side to hold dental picks 32against an interior surface of first container portion 172 when they arefolded. Push bar 176 runs along the bottom end of container 170 andextends outside of container 170. Push bar 176 can either be movedmanually or spring loaded.

As seen in FIG. 14A, as dental picks 32 are loaded into container 170,handles 40 of dental picks 32 are placed underneath joint clips 182.When dental picks 32 are loaded, push bar 176 is in an extendedposition. As seen in FIG. 14B, as push bar 176 is pressed inward intocontainer 170, dental picks 32 start to fold up against one another. Thearrangement of dental picks 32 resembles a paper fan or an accordion asthey are being folded. This folding action will put pressure onconnecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 between dental picks32 and will cause dental picks 32 to snap apart from one another. Asdental picks 32 are snapped apart, they will collapse onto one anotherand line up at a first side of container 170, as seen in FIG. 14C.

Container 170 provides the user with an easy way to break dental picks32. There is minimal effort involved with breaking dental picks 32, asthe user need only press push bar 176 inwards into container 170. Thiswill break dental picks 32 apart by folding them upon one another andcausing them to snap apart. Container 170 can then also store dentalpicks 32 and dispense dental picks 32 one at a time.

FIG. 15A is a front cross-sectional break-away view of the fourthembodiment of container 170 after dental picks 32 have been separated,taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. FIG. 15B is a front cross-sectionalbreak-away view of the fourth embodiment of container 170 as dental pick32 is being dispensed, taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. FIG. 15C is afront cross-sectional break-away view of the fourth embodiment ofcontainer 170 as dental pick 32 is dispensed, taken along line 13-13 ofFIG. 12. Container 170 includes dispenser 178, push bar 176, opening180, and dental picks 32 (including dental pick 32A, dental pick 32B,and dental pick 32C). Dispenser 178 includes knob 190, hinge 192, lid194, spring 196, and foot 198.

Container 170 is shown after dental picks 32 have been separated. Dentalpicks 32 are lined up at a first side of container 170 behind push bar176. As dental picks 32 are dispensed, push bar 176 will move the nextdental pick 32 into position to be dispensed by dispenser 178. Dispenser178 dispenses dental picks 32 by pulling the handle portion throughopening 180 so that the handle portion can be grasped by a user to pulldental pick 32 completely out of container 170.

Dispenser 178 includes knob 190 that can be slid up and down on a firstside of container 170. Moving knob 190 downwards will cause one dentalpick 32 to be dispensed. When knob 190 is moved upwards, dispenser 178will reset so that the next dental pick 32 can be moved into position indispenser 178 by push bar 176. When knob 190 is moved downwards, lid 194rotates around hinge 192. Hinge 192 includes a spring, which causes lid194 to flip open when dispenser 178 is activated. Lid 194 will rotatealong hinge 192, exposing opening 180 so that dental pick 32 can bedispensed.

After knob 190 is moved downwards, the user can release knob 190 fordispenser 178 to reset. Spring 196 runs parallel to the bottom half ofdispenser 178. When knob 190 is moved downwards, spring 196 will becompressed. Then when knob 190 is released, spring 196 will decompressand move dispenser 178 back down into container 170. Foot 198 is locatedat the top of dispenser 178 and projects outwards from dispenser 178.Foot 198 will catch the tip portion of one dental pick 32 when dispenser178 is activated. This will cause one dental pick 32 to move downwardsin container 170 and will push the handle portion of one dental pick 32through opening 180. When the handle portion of one dental pick 32protrudes through opening 180, that dental pick 32 can be grasped by auser and removed from container 170. In an alternate embodiment, foot198 is two lifting prongs fastened in a fixed position to the dispenser178, where the prongs straddle body 42 of dental pick 32 just belowhandle 40. This will move dental pick 32 downwards and through opening180 when dispenser 178 is activated.

Container 170 is advantageous, as it allows a user to dispense onedental pick at a time as needed by the user. Dispenser 178 works todispense only one dental pick 32 at a time, and will reset after theuser has removed one dental pick 32 from container 170. Container 170will also break apart and store dental picks 32, until they are neededby the user.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a fifth embodiment, container 200. FIG. 16 is aperspective view of container 200 in a substantially closed position.Container 200 includes first container portion 202, second containerportion 204, and button mechanism 206.

First container portion 202 and second container portion 204 formcontainer 200 and slide in relation to one another between an open andclosed position. First container portion 202 forms a base portion ofcontainer 200 in the embodiment shown. Sheet 30 of dental picks 32 canbe placed in first container portion 202 when container 200 is in anopen position. Second container portion 204 forms a cover portion ofcontainer 200 in the embodiment shown. Second container portion 204 isslidable between an open and closed position on first container portion202. Second container portion 204 can be slid into an open position bygrasping opposing sides of container 200 and pulling in oppositedirections, causing second container portion 204 to slide on firstcontainer portion 202 until it reaches a fully open position.

Container 200 also includes button mechanism 206 that is positioned insecond container portion 204. When container 200 is in a closedposition, button mechanism 206 can be pressed inwards to break onedental pick 32 apart from sheet 30 of dental picks 32 that is loaded incontainer 200. Button mechanism 206 breaks one dental pick 32 apart byputting pressure on one dental pick 32 and causing it to snap apart fromsheet 30 of dental picks 32. Button mechanism 206 is spring loaded toautomatically reset once pressure on button mechanism 206 is released.Container 200 further includes an opening (not seen in FIG. 16) throughwhich dental picks 32 can be dispensed as they are separated from sheet30 of dental picks 32 in container 200.

Container 200 is capable of being sized to fit varying sizes of sheets30 of dental picks 32. Container 200 allows a user to break one dentalpick 32 apart as it is needed, using button mechanism 206. The separateddental picks 32 can then be dispensed from container 200 one at a time,as they are separated from sheet 30 in container 200. Container 200 alsoallows a user to store sheets 30 of dental picks 32.

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of container 200 in an open positionwhen no dental picks 32 are loaded. Container 200 includes firstcontainer portion 202, second container portion 204, button mechanism,206, grooves 210 (including groove 210A and groove 210B), flanges 212(including flange 212A and flange 212B), positioning ridge 214, exitchute 220, opening 222, raised back 224, and ledge 226.

Container 200 includes first container portion 202 and second containerportion 204. First container portion 202 includes grooves 210, includinggroove 210A and groove 210B. Grooves 210 run from a first side of firstcontainer portion 202 to a second side of first container portion 202.Second container portion 204 includes flanges 212, including flange 212Aand flange 212B. Flanges 212 extend outwards from second containerportion 204 and run from a first side of second container portion 204 toa second side of second container portion 204. Grooves 210 are shaped tofit flanges 212 so that flanges 212 can be inserted into and slidthrough grooves 210. Flange 212A can be placed in groove 210A and flange212B can be placed in groove 210B. This allows second container portion204 to slide between an open and closed position with respect to firstcontainer portion 202. Container 200 also includes button mechanism 206.When container 200 is in a closed position, button mechanism 206 can bepressed inwards to separate one dental pick 32 that is positioned inexit chute 220 from sheet 30 of dental picks 32.

First container portion 202 includes raised back 224. Raised back 224 islocated in first container portion 202. Raised back 224 will support andelevate sheet 30 of dental picks 32 when they are loaded in container200 so that bristles 44 of dental picks 32 do not contact any insidesurface of container 200. This will prevent friction and resistancebetween bristles 44 and container 200 when sheets 30 of dental picks 32are slid across raised back 224. First container portion 202 alsoincludes exit chute 220, opening 222, and ledge 226 at a first side ofcontainer 200. Exit chute 220 has a width that is slightly larger thanthe width of handle 40 of one dental pick 32. Exit chute 220 creates anarea where one dental pick 32 can be separated from sheet 30 anddispensed from container 200. At one end of exit chute 220 is opening222. Opening 222 is slightly wider than the width of handle 40 of onedental pick 32. Opening 222 allows one dental pick 32 to be dispensedfrom container 200, by tilting container 200 with opening 222 facingdownwards so that gravity can pull dental pick 32 in exit chute 220 outof container 200. Ledge 226 is located at a second side of exit chute220 and provides a wall upon which on dental pick 32 can be broken offof sheet 30.

First container portion 202 further includes positioning ridge 214.Positioning ridge 214 is positioned on a first end of raised back 224and extends from ledge 226 to a second side of first container portion202. Positioning ridge 214 can be used by a user to align sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 in first container portion 202 so that dental picks 32will remain in a fixed and proper position when second container portion204 is closed over sheet 30 of dental picks 32.

Container 200 can be easily opened and closed by a user by slidingsecond container portion 204 on first container portion 202. This allowsa user to easily load sheets 30 of dental picks 32 into container 200 bytucking handles 40 of dental picks 32 underneath positioning ridge 214to align and fix position of sheets 30 of dental picks 32 in container200. Container 200 can also separate one dental pick 32 apart from sheet30 of dental picks 32 with button mechanism 206. The one dental pick 32that is separated can then be dispensed from container 200. Theremaining dental picks 32 in container 200 can then be stored incontainer 200.

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of first container portion 202 ofcontainer 200 when sheet 30 of dental picks 32 is loaded. Sheet 30includes dental picks 32, connecting ligaments 34, and connectingligaments 36. Each dental pick 32 includes handle 40, body 42, bristles44, and tip 46 (not shown). First container portion 202 includes groove210A (groove 210B not shown), positioning ridge 214, exit chute 220,opening 222, raised back 224, and ledge 226. Button mechanism 206 andsliding fence 240 are also shown in FIG. 18A. Button mechanism 206includes button portion 230, body portion 232, and raised surface 234.FIG. 18B is a back perspective view of second container portion 204 ofcontainer 200. Second container portion 204 includes flanges 212(including flange 212A and flange 212B), sliding fence 240, path 242,and retainer 244. Raised surface 234 of button mechanism 206 is alsoseen in FIG. 18B.

Container 200 includes first container portion 202 and second containerportion 204. First container portion 202 and second container portion204 slide in relation to one another. First container portion 202includes grooves 210, including groove 210A and groove 210B. Secondcontainer portion 204 includes flanges 212, including flange 212A andflange 212B. Flange 212A can be aligned with and positioned in groove210A and flange 212B can be aligned with and positioned in groove 210B.This allows first container portion 202 and second container portion 204to slide in relation to one another.

Container 200 also includes raised back 224 positioned in firstcontainer portion 202. Sheets 30 of dental picks 32 can be positioned onraised back 224 and slid along raised back 224 in container 200.Positioned ridge 214 is positioned on a first end of raised back 224 andfacilitates positioning of sheets 30 of dental picks 32 in container200. Container 200 also includes exit chute 220, opening 222, and ledge226. Exit chute 220 provides an area where one dental pick 32 can bepositioned to be separated from sheet 30 of dental picks 32. Opening 222is positioned at a first end of exit chute 220 and provides an openingthrough which one dental pick 32 can be dispensed. Ledge 226 ispositioned at a second side of exit chute 220 and provides a ledge uponwhich connecting ligaments 34 and connecting ligaments 36 can be pressedto separate dental picks 32 from sheet 30.

Button mechanism 206 is shown in FIG. 18A and includes button portion230, body portion 232, and raised surface 234. Body portion 232surrounds button portion 230 and both body portion 232 and buttonportion 230 are located on an outside of container 200. Button portion230 is connected to raised surface 234. Raised surface 234 is locatedinside container 200 and is positioned in exit chute 220. Raised surface234 is a rectangular protrusion in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, butraised surface 234 can be any shape that is capable of putting pressureon dental picks 32 in alternate embodiments. When button portion 230 ofbutton mechanism 206 is pressed inwards, raised surface 234 will alsopress inwards and put pressure on handle 40 of dental pick 32 that ispositioned in exit chute 220. This will cause dental pick 32 to separatefrom sheet 30 of dental picks 32 by breaking connecting ligament 34 andconnecting ligament 36 along ledge 226.

Container 200 also includes sliding fence 240. Sliding fence 240 is aspring loaded fence that automatically moves sheets 30 of dental picks32 through container 200 as dental picks 32 are separated and dispensed.Sliding fence 240 is connected to second container portion 204 (as seenin FIG. 18B), so that when second container portion 204 is in an openposition sliding fence 240 is extended. Sliding fence 240 includes path242 along which sliding fence 240 moves. Path 242 is positioned incontainer 200 so that sliding fence 240 can move dental picks 32 throughcontainer 200. Container 200 further includes retainer 244. Retainer 244is attached to a first side of second container portion 204 to retainsliding fence 240 within path 242. When container 200 is closed, slidingfence 240 will catch one dental pick 32 that is positioned closest tothe second side of first container portion 202. As dental picks 32 areseparated and dispensed from container 200, sliding fence 240 willadvance remaining dental picks 32 through container 200.

As seen in FIG. 18A, when dental pick 32A is positioned in exit chute220, the remainder of sheet 30 will be positioned on raised back 224.After container 200 is loaded with sheet 30 and closed, button mechanism206 can be used to break dental pick 32A apart from sheet 30. Thishappens because button mechanism 206 will put pressure on handle 40A ofdental pick 32A. Dental pick 32A is positioned in exit chute 220 so thatconnecting ligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A are resting on ledge226. When button mechanism 206 is pressed, dental pick 32A will beforced inwards at handle 40A, which will put pressure on connectingligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A. Connecting ligament 34A andconnecting ligament 36A will be broken along ledge 226 due to thepressure from button mechanism 206 that pushes dental pick 32A into exitchute 220, which is at a lower elevation than sheet 30. Once dental pick32A is separated from sheet 30, container 200 can be tilted with opening222 facing downwards so that dental pick 32A can fall out of exit chute220 through opening 222. Once dental pick 32A has been dispensed fromcontainer 200, sliding fence 240 will put lateral force on sheet 30 ofdental picks 32 and move sheet 30 so that dental pick 32B is positionedin exit chute 220. Dental pick 32B may then be separated from sheet 30,and this process will continue until all dental picks 32 have beendispensed.

Container 200 allows dental picks 32 to be separated from sheet 30 oneat a time. Dental picks 32 can also be dispensed one at a time throughopening 222. Container 200 is easy to load, by sliding second containerportion 204 apart from first container portion 202 and loading sheets 30of dental picks 32 into container 200. Positioning ridge 214 securessheets 30 of dental picks 32 in a proper position when loading container200. After sheets 30 of dental picks 32 are loaded, container 200 can beclosed by sliding second container portion 204 on first containerportion 202. This will cause sliding fence 240 to catch one dental pick32 to advance sheet 30 of dental picks 32 through container 200. Asdental picks 32 are dispensed, sliding fence 240 will advance sheets 30of dental picks 32 through container 200. Container 200 also storessheet 30 of dental picks 32, making dental picks 32 easy to access whena user wants to use one.

FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional end view of container 200showing button mechanism 206. Container 200 includes first containerportion 202, second container portion 204, button mechanism 206, grooves210 (including groove 210A and groove 210B), and flanges 212 (includingflange 212A and flange 212B). Button mechanism 206 includes buttonportion 230, body portion 232, raised surface 234, and spring 236.

Container 200 includes first container portion 202 and second containerportion 204. First container portion 202 and second container portion204 slide in relation to one another. First container portion 202includes grooves 210, including groove 210A and groove 210B. Secondcontainer portion 204 includes flanges 212, including flange 212A andflange 212B. Flange 212A can be aligned with and positioned in groove210A and flange 212B can be aligned with and positioned in groove 210B.This allows first container portion 202 and second container portion 204to slide in relation to one another.

Button mechanism 206 includes button portion 230, body portion 232,raised surface 234, and spring 236. Body portion 232 surrounds buttonportion 230 and both body portion 232 and button portion 230 are locatedon an outside of container 200. Button portion 230 can be connected toraised surface 234 with any suitable means. Spring 236 is positionedbetween button portion 230 and body portion 232. When button portion 230is pressed, spring 236 will be compressed. When pressure on buttonportion 230 is released, spring 236 will expand back to its naturalconfiguration, which will force button portion 230 back to its originalposition. Raised surface 234 is located inside container 200 and ispositioned over exit chute 220. Raised surface 234 is a rectangularprotrusion in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, but raised surface 234can be any shape that is capable of putting pressure on dental picks 32in alternate embodiments. When button portion 230 of button mechanism206 is pressed inwards, raised surface 234 will also press inwards andput pressure on handle 40 of dental pick 32 that is positioned in exitchute 220. This will cause dental pick 32 to separate from sheet 30 ofdental picks 32.

Button mechanism 206 provides an easy mechanism for separating dentalpicks 32 from sheets 30 in container 200. Button portion 230 can beeasily pressed inwards to put pressure on dental picks 32 in container200 and separate them from sheets 30 of dental picks 32. Once pressureon button portion 230 is released, spring 236 will expand and forcebutton portion 230 back to its original position. This resets buttonmechanism 206 so that it can be pressed inwards again to separate thenext dental pick 32 in container 200 without any need for the user toreset anything.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 20-22B illustrate a sixth embodiment, container 250. FIG. 20 is aperspective view of container 250 in a closed position. Container 250includes first container portion 252, second container portion 254,button mechanism 256, viewing slit 258, hinge 260, and opening 272.

First container portion 252 and second container portion 254 formcontainer 250. First container portion 252 and second container portion254 are attached to one another along hinge 260. First container portion252 and second container portion 254 can be moved between an open andclosed position by rotating them around hinge 260. First containerportion 252 forms a base portion of container 250 in the embodimentshown. Sheet 30 of dental picks 32 can be placed in first containerportion 252 when container 250 is in an open position. Second containerportion 254 forms a cover portion of container 250 in the embodimentshown. Second container portion 254 can move between an open and closedposition by rotating second container portion 254 around hinge 260.Second container portion 254 further includes viewing slit 258 in theembodiment shown. Viewing slit 258 is an opening in second containerportion 254 that runs from a first side to a second side of secondcontainer portion 254. Viewing slit 258 allows a user to see dentalpicks 32 that are loaded in container 250 without having to opencontainer 250.

Container 250 also includes button mechanism 256 that is positioned insecond container portion 254. When container 250 is in a closedposition, button mechanism 256 can be pressed inwards to break onedental pick 32 apart from sheet 30 of dental picks 32 that is loaded incontainer 250. Button mechanism 256 breaks one dental pick 32 apart byputting pressure on one dental pick 32 and causing it to snap apart fromsheet 30 of dental picks 32. Button mechanism 256 is spring loaded toautomatically reset once pressure on button mechanism 256 is released.In alternate embodiments, button mechanism 256 can be a lever. Container250 further includes opening 272 through which dental picks 32 can bedispensed as they are separated from sheet 30 of dental picks 32 incontainer 250.

Container 250 is capable of being sized to fit varying sizes of sheets30 of dental picks 32. Container 250 allows a user to break one dentalpick 32 apart as it is needed. The separated dental picks 32 can then bedispensed from container 250 one at a time, as they are separated fromsheet 30 in container 250. Container 250 also allows a user to storesheets 30 of dental picks 32.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of first container portion 252 ofcontainer 250 when sheet 30 of dental picks 32 is loaded. Sheet 30includes dental picks 32, connecting ligaments 34, and connectingligaments 36. Each dental pick 32 includes handle 40, body 42, bristles44, and tip 46. First container portion 252 includes hinge 260, insertportion 262, exit chute 270, opening 272, raised platform 274, ledge276, sliding fence 280, release mechanism 282, and path 284.

First container portion 252 forms a base portion of container 250 in theembodiment shown. Second container portion 254 (not shown in FIG. 21)forms a lid portion of container 250 and is attached to first containerportion 252 along hinge 260. Hinge 260 includes a first connection and asecond connection between first container portion 252 and secondcontainer portion 254. Second container portion 254 can rotate aroundhinge 260 so that container 250 can move between an open and a closedposition. Container 250 also includes button mechanism 256 (not shown inFIG. 21). When container 250 is in a closed position, button mechanism256 can be pressed inwards to separate one dental pick 32 apart fromsheet 30 of dental picks 32 in container 250.

First container portion 252 includes raised back 274 positioned in firstcontainer portion 252. Raised back 274 will support and elevate sheet 30of dental picks 32 when they are loaded in container 250 so thatbristles 44 of dental picks 32 do not contact an inside surface ofcontainer 250. This will prevent friction and resistance betweenbristles 44 and container 250 when sheets 30 of dental picks 32 are slidacross raised back 274. First container portion 252 also includes exitchute 270, opening 272, and ledge 276 at a first side of container 250.Exit chute 270 has a width that is slightly larger than the width ofhandle 40 of one dental pick 32. Exit chute 270 creates an area whereone dental pick 32 can be separated from sheet 30 and dispensed fromcontainer 250. At one end of exit chute 270 is opening 272. Opening 272is slightly wider than the width of handle 40 of one dental pick 32.Opening 272 allows one dental pick 32 to be dispensed from container250, by tilting container 250 with opening 272 facing downwards so thatgravity can pull dental pick 32 in exit chute 270 out of container 250.Ledge 276 is located at a second side of exit chute 270 and provides awall upon which on dental pick 32 can be broken off of sheet 30.

Container 250 also includes sliding fence 280. Sliding fence 280 is aspring loaded fence that automatically moves dental picks 32 throughcontainer 250 as dental picks 32 are separated and dispensed. Slidingfence 280 is positioned in first container portion 252. Sliding fence280 includes path 284 along which sliding fence 280 moves. Path 284 ispositioned in container 250 so that sliding fence 280 can move dentalpicks 32 through container 250. Sliding fence 280 further includesrelease mechanism 282. After sliding fence 280 has moved throughcontainer 250 a user can push it back to its initial position. In thisposition, sliding fence 280 will latch into release mechanism 282 and belocked in place. This allows the user to load sheets 30 of dental picks32 into container 250. After a user has loaded sheets 30 of dental picks32 into container 250, container 250 can be closed and second containerportion 254 will come into contact with release mechanism 282. Whenrelease mechanism 282 is pressed inwards by second container portion254, sliding fence 280 will be released from its locked position andwill begin to advance sheets 30 of dental picks 32 through container250.

As seen in FIG. 21, when dental pick 32A is positioned in exit chute270, the remainder of sheet 30 will be positioned on raised back 274.After container 250 is loaded with sheet 30 and closed, button mechanism256 can be used to break dental pick 32A apart from sheet 30. Thishappens because button mechanism 256 will put pressure on handle 40A ofdental pick 32A. Dental pick 32A is positioned in exit chute 270 so thatconnecting ligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A are resting on ledge276. When button mechanism 256 is pressed, dental pick 32A will beforced inwards at handle 40A, which will put pressure on connectingligament 34A and connecting ligament 36A. Connecting ligament 34A andconnecting ligament 36A will be broken along ledge 276 due to thepressure from button mechanism 256 that pushes dental pick 32A into exitchute 270, which is at a lower elevation than sheet 30. Once dental pick32A is separated from sheet 30 and button mechanism 256 is released toits original position, container 250 can be tilted with opening 272facing downwards so that dental pick 32A can fall out of exit chute 270through opening 272. Continuous lateral force of sliding fence 280 willthen move sheet 30 of dental picks 32 so that dental pick 32B ispositioned in exit chute 270. Dental pick 32B may then be separated fromsheet 30, and this process will continue until all dental picks 32 havebeen dispensed.

Container 250 allows dental picks 32 to be separated from sheet 30 oneat a time. Dental picks 32 can also be dispensed one at a time throughopening 272. Container 250 is easy to load, by opening container 250 andplacing sheet 30 of dental picks 32 on raised back 274. Once closed,container 250 is capable of moving one dental pick 32 into exit chute270 with sliding fence 280. Dental pick 32 that is positioned in exitchute 270 can then be separated from sheet 30 using button mechanism256. Container 250 also stores sheet 30 of dental picks 32, makingdental picks 32 easy to access when a user wants to use one.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of first container portion 252 ofcontainer 250 when insert portion 262 is removed from container 250.FIG. 22B is a perspective bottom view of insert portion 262 of container250 that can be placed in first container portion 252. First containerportion 252 includes channel 286 and apertures 290. Insert portion 262includes path 284 and protrusions 292.

First container portion 252 forms a base portion of container 250 in theembodiment shown. First container portion 252 includes raised back 274(not seen in FIGS. 22A-22B) upon which dental picks 32 can be positionedin first container portion 252. To form raised back, insert portion 262can be placed in and attached to first container portion 252. Firstcontainer portion 252 includes a plurality of apertures 290. Insertportion 262 includes a plurality of protrusions 292. Protrusions 292have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of apertures290. Each protrusion 292 on insert portion 262 can be placed in oneaperture 290 on first container portion 252. The slightly largerdiameter of protrusions 292 will form a tight interference fit betweenprotrusions 292 and apertures 290 so that insert portion 262 is held infirst container portion 252. In alternate embodiments, insert portion262 and the method of attachment to first container portion 252 can beconfigured in any way that achieves the functional requirements ofraised back 274, ledge 276, sliding fence 280, and channel 286.

First container portion 252 also includes channel 286 and insert portion284 includes path 284. Channel 286 and path 284 are aligned with oneanother and extend through container 250. Sliding fence 280 ispositioned so that it will run along path 284. Channel 286 is positionedbeneath path 284 and is a cavity in first container portion 252 throughwhich sliding fence 280 can move. The cavity formed by channel 286 andpath 284 also accommodates a spring (not shown) to be inserted behindsliding fence 280 to enable sliding fence 280 to continuously advancesheets 30 of dental picks 32 through container 250.

Providing first container portion 252 and insert portion 262 as separateparts allows for easy manufacture and assembly of container 250. Placinginsert portion 262 into first container portion 252 allows sliding fence280 to be positioned between insert portion 262 and first containerportion 252 during assembly instead of during manufacturing. This allowscontainer 250 to be manufactured as simple pieces that can later beassembled into a final product. This is advantageous, as it allowsdifferent components of container 250 to be obtained from differentmanufacturing sources. This provides flexibility, as one manufacturingsource does not have to provide all of the pieces, and it can save cost.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A device for separating, storing, and dispensing dental picks, thedevice comprising: a container to receive a sheet of dental picks,wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnecteddental picks; a separating device to separate the sheet of dental picksinto singular dental picks; and a dispensing device to dispense thesingular dental picks one at a time. 2-27. (canceled)
 28. The device ofclaim 1, and further comprising: a first body portion of the containerattached to a second body portion of the container along a hinge;wherein the separating device comprises a raised platform attached tothe first body portion with a ledge at a first side of the containerdefining an exit chute at a lower elevation, and a raised surfaceattached to the second body portion at the first side of the container;wherein the dispensing device comprises an opening at an end of the exitchute; and wherein when the container is closed, the raised surface ispositioned adjacent to the ledge in the exit chute. 29-30. (canceled)31. The device of claim 28, wherein the sheet of dental picks is loadedby placing it in the container when the container is in an openposition.
 32. The device of claim 28, wherein when the sheet of dentalpicks is loaded in the container, one dental pick is positioned in theexit chute.
 33. The device of claim 28, wherein the dental pick that ispositioned in the exit chute will be separated when the container is ina closed position by pressing the dental pick along the ledge with theraised surface.
 34. The device of claim 28, wherein one dental pick canbe dispensed at a time through the opening at the end of the exit chute.35. The device of claim 28, wherein the container can accommodatemultiple sheets of dental picks up to a maximum dental pick capacity ofthe container.
 36. The device of claim 28, wherein the raised surface isshaped in any manner that allows for sufficient area and protrusion toseparate the dental picks under pressure when the container is closed.37. The device of claim 28, wherein the raised surface is connected to alever or button on the second body portion that can be pressed inwardsfrom the outside surface of the second body portion against the dentalpick that is positioned in the exit chute.
 38. The device of claim 37,wherein when the lever or button is pressed, the dental pick that ispositioned in the exit chute will be separated from the sheet of dentalpicks.
 39. The device of claim 28, and further comprising: a slidingfence positioned in the container to move the sheet of dental pickslaterally until an outermost dental pick is positioned in the exitchute.
 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the sliding fence is manuallyoperated or spring loaded.
 41. The device of claim 39, wherein thesliding fence can be slid into a locked position when the container isin an open position so that the sheet of dental picks can be loaded, andwherein the sliding fence includes a release mechanism that can betriggered when the container is closed to release the sliding fence fromthe locked position. 42-53. (canceled)
 54. A method for separating anddispensing dental picks comprising: obtaining a sheet of dental picks,wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnecteddental picks; loading the sheet of dental picks into a container;separating the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks; anddispensing the singular dental picks one at a time. 55-57. (canceled)58. The method of claim 54, and further comprising: opening a first bodyportion of the container and second body portion of the container byrotating them around a hinge; and placing the sheet of dental picks inthe container. 59-61. (canceled)
 62. The method of claim 54, and furthercomprising: positioning one dental pick between a first side of thecontainer and a ledge on a first body portion.
 63. The method of claim62, wherein the dental picks can be positioned with the use of a slidingfence.
 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the dental picks areseparated one at a time by closing the container and pressing one dentalpick between the ledge on the first body portion and a raised surface ona second body portion.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the raisedsurface is connected to a lever or button that can be pressed inwardsinto the container from an outside surface of the container. 66-70.(canceled)
 71. The method of claim 54, wherein the dental picks aredispensed by gravity by turning the container upside-down to allow onedental pick to fall out of the container. 72-73. (canceled)